ST JAMES, Jamaica — Transport and Mining Minister, Robert Montague, says the Government is moving aggressively to upgrade Jamaica's aerodromes as part of plans to improve commuter travel.

He said this should be welcome news for local and international travellers who, he noted, have long voiced concerns about the distance and length of time taken to traverse the island via road.

The minister also advised that work is under way to pilot the local aviation industry's strong recovery from the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He was speaking during the recent opening of the new $17-million Negril Aerodrome fire station in Westmoreland.

Montague said improvement work already undertaken at local aviation facilities by the Airports Authority of Jamaica includes the establishment of pilot lounges at the Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston, Ken Jones Aerodrome in Portland, and Ian Fleming aerodrome in St Mary, while adding that similar engagements are slated for the other locations.

He said an overlay is scheduled for the runway at the Lionel Dempsher aerodrome in St Elizabeth and that “we are also putting in some restrooms and a waiting area”.

“Recently, we got a fire truck at Tinson Pen and we are going to be building a new fire station at Ian Fleming,” the minister further informed.

Montague pointed out that Jamaica's 14 aerodromes provide commuters with the opportunity to save time and money to move across the island.

“Persons, notably visitors going to Ocho Rios, St Mary or even Port Antonio, can now cut their journey in half by flying out of Montego Bay into the Ian Fleming International Airport… and the same goes for those who want to go to Kingston or Negril,” he said.

Consequent on this, Montague said no effort will be spared in upgrading the aerodromes “and, by extension, the aviation industry”.